Legendary Locals of Grand Rapids

Every city has its luminaries who make names for themselves beyond the boundaries of their hometown. The Grand Rapids area claims President Gerald Ford, astronauts Roger Chaffee and Jack Lousma, author Chris Van Allsburg, and sports legends including Wally Pipp, Stan Ketchel, and Terry Barr. But it’s mostly about the unsung heroes whose deeds should not be forgotten. Read how South High School raised enough money to buy a B-17 bomber in World War II. The Spirit of South High was christened in Grand Rapids on April2, 1943. And let’s not forget a German shepherd named Spooky who was taught to serve patrons beer in his owner’s Westside tavern.